Shane Cathers

Hello,


My name is Shane Cathers, a Junior journalism student with a business management minor, here at the home of the Wildcats. I am a fresh face with fresh perspectives here at the UA, and considering that, I will take some additional steps to let everyone know more about me.


The state of Ariz. claims most of my years and will likely claim many more. I was born in Warren, MI, and spent a number of my childhood years in Huntington Beach, CA, and couple in Tipton, IN. If that is not enough moving, I have lived in five cities across the Ariz.. I have probably lived in over 20 homes, and went to four different high schools, graduating at Lake Havasu High School in the class of 2004.


I played football and wrestled early in high school. I continue to find myself  playing a range of sports including tennis, skateboarding, snowboarding, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, and pool.


I have practically lived on my own since I was 16 years old. I supported myself through high school, and most of college. I am very much an entrepreneur, starting “Shane’s Trash Pick-up Service” in our apartments in Calif. when I was 11 years old. I went around everyday and walked my clients, tenants, trash down to the dumpsters to spare them the walk. I had more money than all my friends, and often treated myself to chili cheese fires at the local Wienerschnitzel...(click Here to see the full bio)

http://www.shanepatrickcathers.blogspot.com/

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In high school, I started “Reliable Yard Maintenance” that employed me and my friend. In college, I was a full-time student while painting houses on the side to pay for school and my bills. I often ended up managing multiple people on the job, but one 46 year old father was my main-man for over two years. He became a great friend and I learned a lot about race (him being black and grew up in south Phoenix), women, and maintaining a friendship while still being the boss.


Last summer I traveled through western Europe, on a whim, with someone I knew only a couple of weeks from my yoga class. We traveled through London, France, Barcelona, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. When I returned, she went to Berkeley, and I took my motorcycle and traveled counter-clockwise in 29 states around the U.S. and Canada. I stayed with family, camped in national parks, and stayed with the great people of the CouchSurfing.com community. I went to explore the culture of America, explore spiritually, and test my ability to adapt and travel into unknown territories. I have never felt so free.


On that trip, I realized that the anxiety of Phoenix was not the life for me and although I was already accepted to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU, I felt the need to move for a more peaceful life.

I had only been here twice before and for a very brief period, but decided Tucson was the best option for a few reasons. Many people I met had great words for this city and the university. I would also maintain in-state tuition and continue a relationship with, what was becoming and still is, the most intimate and most dear friend in my life.


These days, I live pretty simply. I have a diet of mostly eggs, bread, fruit, vegetables, and pizza from Time Market. I jog and exercise around three times a week and continue to become increasingly connected with the people of Tucson and the community within the University of Arizona.

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As student body president, my main goal will be to rally for a referendum to the Ariz. constitution, a long term goal, fixing all levels of public education to a secure budget. Ariz. has it’s priorities confused, and we as students, we as a university, and we as a community have the power to make a difference.


Although the recent budget cuts have many disadvantages, we can take this opportunity to simplify the clutter redundancies, unite the students and hear their voices, and bring the recognition and exposure to clubs, which they deserve.


Here are a few matters of importance...


Funding our Futures

We need to give students the opportunity and tools to fund their education. We need free workshops to teach students how to write grants, where to find grants they may be eligible for, and tips to improve their approval chances. Scholarships also need to be more apparent and tips given to students to increase their odds of funding. We will get creative and help simplify the resources for funding.


Clubs and our Community

Clubs on campus are an essential instrument in our community as a university, city, and as a united people for the maintenance and advancement of our standard of living, education, and awareness. Clubs need a centralized online resource with sufficient exposure. Their upcoming events need to be easily known to the students, especially the freshman, so they can become involved in the community, build valuable connections, friendships, as well as offer a positive outlet for self expression.

Clubs need the communication to unite for a cause, the tools to raise funds, and exposure to show their value and the universities value to the community of Tucson.


Freedom of Speech

Students need an outlet to exercise their 1st Amendment rights. This can be done on a centralized online source and also on campus by “free speech bulletin boards,” symbolizing the right for students to exercise their voice.


Security

Female students have voiced concerns about better safety at night. I agree. We should look into better lighting options for areas where students are at more risk without creating light pollution, and ideally using solar power for efficiency. In addition, I believe we should also consider more bicycle police on campus.

I want to see an analysis of the most statistically dangerous areas on campus, compared with the best lit areas and blue light systems, concluding with Safe Ways, the safest late-night routes around campus. This will be mapped out for students with the number for Safe Walk and Safe Ride as well as additional safety tips. This map can have additional information about the campus and be placed at the exit of every building that is open late into the night.


Sustainability

We need to continue sustainability, recycle mania, and look into further recycling of batteries and electronic equipment. I will support furthering our alternative energy resources and work to make the university more self sustainable.

I am interested, in light of these budget cuts, whether students would take it upon themselves, for the betterment of the University, to form a club to help better the presence of plants, flowers, and grass if given resources.


Health

Organizations that promote health need to be supported. We are nothing without health, and those organizations that are supplying such a vital resources to students should be given the necessary resources to spread awareness of risks, options, and support.


Voice of the Student

Your thoughts are important. I want students to have the voice and for it to be heard. I am listening, tell me what you think..  scathers22@gmail.com


www.gingerpresident.com